Hymns!

Father, I am grateful for having You with us today as we and family had a little outing. Thank You for good fellowship and Your protection and blessings to and from. Amen.

I make no apologies that I am a hymn guy. There is a lot of beautiful music out there, enhancing a plethora of worship services. Different things speak to different folk but hymns speak most clearly to me.

Growing up we sang hymns – and I am not a stick in the mud, they are just so full of solid theology and give voice to things that I think and feel in a form of testimony that I can think of no better way to communicate.

My father pastored several churches while I was growing up, lots of good people in West Virginia, North Carolina, and Ohio. One of my favorites was in Parsons, WV, I graduated from high school there. A favorite part of that church for me was the choir – and oh, could they sing! I don’t think many of them read music but the harmonies that rang from the choir loft were heavenly! I think a lot of it was the fact that they weren’t just singing words and notes. They were singing from the depths of their hearts. I truly believe each person was singing their song!

At this point in my life, I can’t remember who sang what song. It could have been the choir, or the congregation or Mom and Dad singing a duet but one of my many favorite hymns is My Wonderful Lord by Haldor Lillenas. Here is a very nice rendition as sung by the Collingsworth Family.

I have found a deep peace
that I never had known
And a joy this world could not afford
Since I yielded control of my body and soul
To my wonderful, wonderful Lord.

My wonderful Lord, my wonderful Lord
By angels and seraphs in Heaven adored
I bow at Thy shrine
My Savior divine
My wonderful, wonderful Lord

All the talents I have I have laid at Thy Feet
Thy approval shall be my reward.
Be my store great or small
I surrender it all
To my wonderful, wonderful Lord.

Thou art fairer to me than the fairest of earth
Thou omnipotent, life-giving Word
O Thou Ancient of Days,
Thou art worthy all praise,
My wonderful, wonderful Lord.

My wonderful Lord, my wonderful Lord
By angels and seraphs in Heaven adored!
I bow at Thy shrine
my Savior divine
My wonderful, wonderful Lord.

Sept 4^th, Mon, 8:45 pm